“Yes, he were all alone, sir,” replied the man. “Miss Delorane were with him when he drove off in the morning, but she stayed at Worcester.”
Had Tod taken a moment for thought he might not have asked the question. He had nothing of the sneak in him, and would have scorned to pump a servant about his master’s movements. The answer tended to destroy his theory of Brook’s being concealed here, and to uphold the account given by Mr. St. George.
Quitting the railings, we ran to catch up the Squire. And at that moment two or three railway passengers loomed into view, coming from the train. One of them was Ellin Delorane.
She came along briskly, with a buoyant step and a smiling face. The Squire dropped us a word of caution.
“Now don’t go telling her of your stupid fancy about Brook, you two: it would only cause her disappointment.” And with the last word we met her.
“Ah ha, Miss Ellin!” he exclaimed, taking her hands. “And so the truant’s back again!”
“Yes, he is back again,” she softly whispered, with a blush that was deep in colour.
The Squire did not quite catch the words. She and he were at cross-purposes. “We have but now left your house, my dear,” he continued. “Your aunt does not expect you back to-day; she thought you would stay at Worcester till Saturday.”
Ellin smiled shyly. “Have you seen him?” she asked in the same soft whisper.